Cleaning Produce Washing Equipment: Root Barrel Washer Checklist
Robert Hadad, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Months of research was conducted on a root barrel washer to determine the best way to clean the equipment given that it was not designed to be easily taken apart and cleaned. Hard-to-reach places were identified through the tracking of vegetable matter and debris dispersed within the barrel washer during use. An acceptable level of cleanliness completed in a reasonable amount of time was identified. The equipment cleanliness was based on visual criteria only; further investigation of the microbial level is still required.
To the best of our efforts, areas of critical cleaning are identified in this checklist as well as all other sections necessary to clean.

Additional photos and instructions on cleaning a root barrel washer can be found in the presentation below.
Cleaning Produce Washing Equipment: Root Barrel Washer Checklist (pdf; 2389KB)
Presentation: Cleaning a Root Barrel Washer (pdf; 1476KB)


Upcoming Events
Cattaraugus Fresh Market Vegetable Meeting

June 29, 2022
East Otto, NY
This produce walk will feature peer-to-peer learning. All attendees should wear long pants. Free to attend. 2.0 DEC credits in categories 1a, 10, and 23.
Orleans Fresh Market Vegetable Meeting

July 6, 2022
Albion, NY
This produce walk will feature peer-to-peer learning. All attendees should wear long pants. Free to attend. 2.0 DEC credits requested in categories 1a and 23.
Chautauqua Vegetable Grower Meeting

July 12, 2022
Frewsburg, NY
This meeting will feature a fresh market field walk to facilitate grower-to-grower learning. All attendees should wear long pants. Free to attend. 2.0 DEC credits requested in categories 1a and 23.